Description
Ricotta & Parsley Paccheri is a delicious Italian baked pasta dish featuring large paccheri tubes stuffed with a creamy ricotta and parsley mixture, topped with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. This comforting main course combines fresh herbs and cheeses for a flavorful, vegetarian-friendly meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz paccheri pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Additional fresh parsley for garnish
For the Ricotta Filling
- 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the paccheri pasta and cook until just under al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed pasta.
- Prepare Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, finely chopped parsley, large egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined to ensure a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Stuff the Paccheri: Spoon the ricotta mixture into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully fill each paccheri tube with the ricotta mixture, making sure to fill them completely.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled paccheri tubes upright or laid side-by-side in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed pasta and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to cook through.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the paccheri with extra fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy this rich and comforting pasta dish.
Notes
- For a richer filling, add mascarpone or shredded mozzarella cheese to the ricotta mixture.
- Incorporate sautéed spinach or finely chopped cooked mushrooms into the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Make sure to undercook the pasta slightly so it finishes cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.
- You can prepare the dish in advance and bake it just before serving for convenience.
